Vehicle communication system and method of use

ABSTRACT

Described is a vehicle communication system. The system includes a display installed in, or on, a first vehicle such that the display is viewable by persons in other vehicles or pedestrians proximate the first vehicle. The display is communicatively linked to one or more vehicle systems or a vehicle controller area network whereby based on activation, engagement or utilization of a vehicle system, the display automatically displays a message associated with the activation, engagement or activation of the vehicle system. For example, if a driver of the vehicle applies the brakes, a “STOPPING” message is displayed. Messages may be pre-programmed into the system or custom created and entered by a user. The display may also be used to advertise, alert passersby to an emergency or otherwise communicate with persons in other vehicles or pedestrians.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/023,982 filed on Jan. 31, 2008 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,952,489.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a communicationsystem for communicating from a vehicle, namely a car, truck, van orsimilar transport means.

BACKGROUND

Means for persons in one vehicle to communicate with persons in anothervehicle or proximate thereto can be important for various reasons butsuch means are limited. Important reasons for such communicationsinclude advertising, emergency alerts and vehicle recovery. Currentlysuch means for communications from a vehicle include hand gestures by aperson in the vehicle, static signage or other limited means.

It would be advantageous to develop an efficient, dynamic means ofcommunicating from a vehicle to persons proximate thereto.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a first embodiment of the present invention is a vehiclecommunication system comprising: a housing; attachment means operable toattach said housing to a vehicle; display means supported by saidhousing; a controller in communication with said display means; aprocessor in communication with said controller and/or said displaymeans; memory means pre-programmed with one or more messages fordisplaying on said display means; program means for programming custommessages, in addition to said pre-programmed messages, into said memorymeans; and remote control means operable to remotely instruct saiddisplay means.

A method embodiment of the present invention comprises: positioning adisplay in said first vehicle such that said display is viewable byother vehicles proximate said first vehicle; communicatively linkingsaid display to at least one vehicle system; and programming saiddisplay to respond to said vehicle system being activated, engaged orutilized, wherein said display is programmed to show a message relatedto the activation, engagement or utilization of the vehicle system.

In one embodiment, messages on said display may be dynamic such thatthey scroll horizontally or vertically. In other embodiments, themessages may be static. Depending on the embodiment, the vehiclecommunication may be installed within a vehicle interior or exteriorthereto.

As set forth in greater detail below, the vehicle communication systemcan be used to advertise, communicate distress, deter car thieves andalert other drivers of a drivers intent to stop or make other vehiclemaneuvers. Pre-programmed or factory messages may include safetymessages designed for specific problem situations (e.g., vehiclebreakdown) while users are able to enter custom messages. Such custommessages may be limited by a number of words and/or messages.

In another embodiment, the vehicle communication system communicateswith one or more vehicle systems, such as the brake system, such thatthe vehicle communication system may be used to communicate theintentions of the subject vehicle to vehicles or pedestrians proximatethereto.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention willbecome evident from the following detailed description, drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle with a vehicle communicationsystem installed within a vehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of a vehicle with a signal beingtransmitted to the vehicle communication system;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the vehicle communication system;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the vehicle communication system witha message being displayed;

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the vehicle communication system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the vehicle communication system;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a housing and displaycover;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the housing and a display coverassembled;

FIG. 9 illustrates a light emitting diode array forming a display;

FIG. 10 illustrates a louver panel operable to cool the vehiclecommunication system;

FIG. 11 illustrates an upper exploded view of the vehicle communicationsystem;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the vehiclecommunication system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an assembled vehiclecommunication system with an attachment bracket;

FIG. 14 illustrates an installation bracket; and

FIG. 15 illustrates a rear view of a vehicle with a vehiclecommunication system linked to a controller area network of the vehicle.

FIG. 16 illustrates the vehicle communication system installed near arear window of the vehicle and connected to a vehicle controller areanetwork.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles inaccordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference willnow be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specificlanguage will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless beunderstood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is therebyintended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventivefeature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of theprinciples of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normallyoccur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of thisdisclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the inventionclaimed.

Initial reference is made to FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating a vehiclecommunication system generally denoted by reference numeral 100. Asshown, the vehicle communication system 100 is installed in a vehicle110 near a rear window 120. The vehicle communication system 100 isinstalled on a surface adjacent a rear window 120 of the vehicle 110.FIG. 16 illustrates the vehicle communication system 100 installed neara rear window of the vehicle 110 and connected to a vehicle controllerarea network. The vehicle communication system 100 may be installedanywhere within, or on, the vehicle 110. FIGS. 3-12 show variousmechanical components of the vehicle communication system 100 comprisingat least a housing 150, display 160 and display cover 170.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the housing 150 and display cover 170.FIG. 8 shows the housing 150 and display cover 170 in assembledarrangement. The display cover 170 may be attached to the housing 150using adhesives, fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, etc.) or similarmeans. Alternatively, the housing 150 and display cover 170 may befabricated of appropriate tolerances so that they snap-fit together. Inone embodiment, the display cover 170 is transparent and dimensioned toprotect the display 160 upon full assembly of the vehicle communicationsystem 100. The display cover 170 may also have hue to enhance messagesdepicted on said display 160. The display cover 170 may be fabricated ofplexi-glass, glass, plastic or similar material while the housing 150may be fabricated of plastic, aluminum, fiberglass or the like.

FIG. 9 shows the display 160 in the form of a light emitting diode panel165. The panel 165 may generate scrolling, static and/or flashingmessages. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any display typemay be utilized with the embodiments of the present invention. Forexample, the display 160 may be a plasma or LCD video display. The LEDs161 forming the display 160 may be white or colored (e.g., red). Thedisplay 160 may be powered by conventional batteries, a vehicle powersource and/or solar power. A controller board (not shown), includingmemory (not shown) and an infrared receiver (not shown), are configuredto communicate with the display 160. In one embodiment, the memory andreceiver are integrated with the controller board. In anotherembodiment, the memory and receiver are separate devices operativelylinked to the controller board. The receiver provides a means for aremote control device (not shown) to operate, instruct and/or programthe display 160 remotely. Ideally, the remote control devicecommunicates wirelessly with said controller and/or display 160, but itcan also be a wired connection. The display 160 may also incorporate atransceiver for receiving and sending signals to the remote controldevice or the vehicle's controller area network (CAN) for reasonsdescribed below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the remote control deviceincludes a display which allows messages being shown on display 160 tobe shown on the remote control device. The remote control device displaymimics the display 160 such that, in one example, a message scrollingacross display 160 also scrolls, in substantially real time, across theremote control device display. A transceiver allows the controllerand/or display 160 to communicate with the remote control device.Alternatively, the remote control device has no display but rather aseries of LEDs to indicate status, proper operation or problems with thedisplay 160. In one embodiment, when desired by the user, the remotecontrol device also acts a vehicle security device. In such anembodiment, the user programs a code into the remote control deviceusing a keypad or touch screen. Failure of the user to input the codeprior to starting the vehicle, or some pre-established minimum timeafter the vehicle is started, causes the display 160 to show “THISVEHICLE STOLEN—PLEASE CALL POLICE” and an alarm to sound. The alarm maybe the vehicle's security alarm or may be a dedicated alarm linked tothe vehicle communication system 100. The remote control device may alsoprompt the user, via an alarm or vibration, to enter the code such theuser does not simply forget to enter the code thereby creating anunwarranted emergency situation.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory associated withthe vehicle communication system 100 is configured with three memorybanks or arrays. Each bank being associated with a different messagefunction. Those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less thanthree memory banks may be utilized. In this embodiment, a first memorybank stores, for example, fifty pre-programmed safety or other messageswhich cannot be altered, erased or manipulated by the user. The messagesdisclosed above and others below are examples of such safety or othermessages. Another safety message is triggered responsive to the vehiclebeing parked and the driver exiting the vehicle. In such a situation,the display 160 shows “BEWARE!! THIS VEHICLE IS PROTECTED WITH A STOLENVEHICLE RECOVERY SYSTEM.” Such a message is intended to deter thieves.In reality, the vehicle may or may not have such a system, but in mayinstances the possibility is enough to deter a thief.

Second and third memory banks are reserved for custom messages createdby the user and related parties. In one exemplary example, the secondmemory bank can be used for advertisements related to a first businesswhile the third memory bank can be used for messages related to a secondbusiness. The messages are created by a user and stored in the secondand third memory banks using a keypad on the remote control device. Theremote control device may also include touch screen technology thatallows the display to present an operational touchpad to the user.Alternatively, the vehicle communication system 100 may include a port(e.g., USB) which allows the user to create messages via a linkedhardware device other than the remote control device (e.g., a PC orPDA). An internal software-driven filter prevents the use of vulgarityor any other inappropriate custom messages.

In addition to the housing 150, display 160 and display cover 170, thevehicle communication system 100 may include a rear cover 180 includingcooling louvers 185. The louvers 185 provide an outlet 190, facingdownward, for heat generated by the display 160 and correspondingcircuitry to escape. By facing downward, dust and other debris isprevented from entering the assembled vehicle communication system 100.A fan may also be incorporated to maintain the display 160 and circuitryat or below specification temperatures. The four components, comprisingthe housing 150, display 160, display cover 170 and rear cover 180, arearranged as shown in FIGS. 11-14. As shown, fasteners, like screws 195,can be used to assemble the four components 150-180 of the vehiclecommunication system 100. Alternatively, adhesives may be used or thecomponents may be fabricated to snap-fit to one another.

In one embodiment, the assembled vehicle communication system 100 isconnected to, integrated with or otherwise incorporates a bracket member200 configured to attach to a plate member 210 (FIGS. 13 and 14). Theplate member 210 connects to a subject vehicle as described in moredetail below. Once the plate member 210 is attached to the vehicle, thevehicle communication system 100 is attached to the plate member 210 viabracket member 200. Holes 215 and slots 220 in the bracket member 200correspond to the holes 225 and slots 230 in the plate member 210 suchthat the position of the vehicle communication system 100 may bepositioned accordingly. Attaching the bracket member 200 to the platemember 210 may be facilitated by fasteners including screws, rivets orthe like. Several different configurations of the bracket member 200 andplate member 210 may be fabricated to accommodate different vehicles andlocations for mounting the same.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 16, the vehicle communicationsystem 100 is attached interior to a vehicle near a rear window suchthat the display 160 faces rearward. The vehicle communication system100 may also be attached on an exterior of the vehicle. For example, thevehicle communication system 100 may be attached to an exterior (e.g.,trunk or bumper) of delivery vehicles and other commercial vehicles.Based on environmental conditions and the position of the vehiclecommunication system 100, the various components of the vehiclecommunication system 100 can be fabricated of heat resistant and waterproof parts. Alternatively, the vehicle communication system 100 may beoutfitted with a protective shell or similar mechanism to protect thesystem 100 from environmental conditions.

In one embodiment, the display 160 is linked to the vehicle's brakingsystem to alert other drivers of the subject vehicle's intention toslow. The display 160 may also be linked to the vehicle's turn signalsand reverse lights. The link between the display 160 and the brakingsystem may be accomplished via a wired connection whereby one or morewires 240 operatively connect the display 160 to the brake lights and/orbrake light wiring such that the display 160 reacts to the vehicle'sbrakes being engaged. Responsive to the vehicle's brakes being engagedany message being displayed is interrupted and replaced by a staticmessage—“STOPPING” or something similar. Other messages associated withvehicle intentions may comprise “TURNING” and “BACKING UP.” In such anembodiment, wires 240 from the display 160 may be concealed by passingthe wires 240 through a channel 245 integrated in a bracket member 250as shown in FIG. 15. The bracket member 250 includes three holes 255 forattaching it to the vehicle. The link between the brake system anddisplay 160 may also be accomplished via a wireless connection triggeredby application of the brake or illumination of the brake lights. Inother words, as the brakes are applied, or as the brake lightilluminates, a signal is transmitted to the infrared receiver incommunication with the display 160 causing the “STOPPING” message to bedisplayed. A wireless connection 115 may also facilitate a display 160change responsive to application of turn signals, engagement of reversegear and other vehicle maneuvers. In one embodiment, the vehiclecommunication system 100 is linked to the vehicle's factory installedCAN. In such an embodiment, the vehicle communication system 100 islinked to each vehicle system via the CAN, including, but not limitedto, lights, brakes, ignition, headlights, doors, etc., such that thevehicle communication system 100, and more specifically, displaymessages, can be pre-programmed accordingly. Ideally, such communicationis wireless using a transceiver or receiver associated with the vehiclecommunication system 100. A wired arrangement is also conceivable.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference toseveral embodiments, additional variations and modifications existwithin the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined inthe following claims.

1. A vehicle communication system comprising: a display; a controller incommunication with said display; memory pre-programmed with one or moremessages for displaying on said display; input means for allowing a userto program custom messages into said memory; and wherein saidcontroller: (i) interrupts and stops display of custom messages in lieuof one or more pre-programmed messages responsive to informationobtained from a vehicle system and (ii) restarts display of said custommessage at a conclusion of said one or more pre-programmed messages. 2.The vehicle communication system of claim 1, wherein said system isconfigured such that said controller communicates with a vehicle'scontroller area network.
 3. The vehicle communication system of claim 2,wherein said display is configured to automatically display messagesbased on information obtained from said controller area network.
 4. Thevehicle communication system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle system isselected from the group consisting of a vehicle's brake system, turnsignal system or gear system.
 5. The vehicle communication system ofclaim 4, wherein said display is configured to automatically displaymessages based on information obtained from said vehicle's brake system,turn signal system or gear system.
 6. The vehicle communication systemof claim 1, wherein at least a first memory bank is dedicated topre-programmed messages and at least a second memory bank is dedicatedto custom messages.
 7. A vehicle communication system comprising: ahousing; a bracket system operable to attach said housing to a vehicle;a display system comprising a light emitting diode array, controller andmemory, said controller configured to receive information from one ormore vehicle systems and instruct said light emitting diode array todisplay a message corresponding to the information received from saidone or more vehicle systems, said memory pre-programmed with one or moremessages for displaying on said display system; input means for allowinga user to program custom messages into said memory; and wherein saidprocessor interrupts and stops display of custom messages in lieu ofpre-programmed messages responsive to information obtained from said oneor more vehicle systems and (ii) restarts display of said custom messageat a conclusion of said information from said one or more vehiclesystems.
 8. The vehicle communication system of claim 7, wherein saidvehicle system is selected from the group consisting of a vehicle'sbrake system, turn signal system or gear system.
 9. The vehiclecommunication system of claim 8, wherein said display means isconfigured to automatically display messages based on informationobtained from said vehicle's brake system, turn signal system or gearsystem.
 10. A method of communicating from a first vehicle tosurrounding vehicles or persons comprising: communicatively linking adisplay to at least one vehicle system; pre-programming messages intoone or more memory locations for presentation on said display responsiveto said vehicle system being activated, engaged or utilized, whereinsaid display is pre-programmed to show a message related to theactivation, engagement or utilization of the vehicle system; providinginput means for allowing a user to program custom messages into said oneor more memory locations; and interrupting and stopping display ofcustom messages in lieu of pre-programmed messages responsive toinformation obtained from said at least one vehicle system and (ii)restarting display of said custom message at a conclusion of saidinformation from said at least one vehicle system.
 11. The vehiclecommunication system of claim 10, wherein said vehicle system isselected from the group consisting of a vehicle's brake system, turnsignal system or gear system.